United Spinal Establishes Advisory Committee of Spinal Cord Injury Experts to Provide Cutting-Edge, Credible Resources for People with Disabilities

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Apr 25, 2013, 09:10 ET

NEW YORK, April 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association has appointed a new Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MSAC) to offer guidance and expertise in assisting people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) locate the very best resources to maximize their quality of life.

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The MSAC is comprised of representatives of the multidisciplinary SCI/D health care community including clinicians, scientists, researchers and other professionals.

Committee chairman, Dr. Christine Sang, states, "Our mission is to maximize the quality of life of all people living with SCI/D. We envision a world in which all people living with SCI/D have access to every opportunity that improves health and quality of life."

The committee will work directly with United Spinal's membership division, NSCIA and its national resource center.

The goal of the MSAC is threefold:

Providing information and guidance in medical/other health care-related topics
Identifying and addressing health care policy issues that impact the SCI/D community
Informing the SCI/D community of the latest advancements in research relevant to their health and independence

"The MSAC is reflective of United Spinal's ongoing commitment to actively supporting the highest possible quality of life for persons living with SCI/D," said Pat Maher, MSAC and United Spinal board member, speaking on behalf of all members of the advisory committee.

"Whether you're managing a newly acquired injury or diagnosis, or addressing the challenges around aging and SCI, the MSAC is committed to supporting our members and the entire SCI/D community to remain informed on critical health care matters," he added.

"In the wake of any devastating diagnosis, people and their family members need to know that the information they're receiving is accurate. We are incredibly fortunate to have the MSAC as a resource for the SCI/D community," said Paul J. Tobin, president and CEO of United Spinal Association.

United Spinal's NSCIA national resource center, Spinal Cord Central, provides information and resources to meet the needs of over one million individuals with SCI/D and:

Their families and friends
The medical and scientific community
Service and business professionals
The media; students; government; elected officials; and the public.

Staffed by Information Specialists, Spinal Cord Central provides access–via a toll-free Help Line (800-962-9629) or online help desk, to the most current community living and medical information.

Social Media Tags:
@unitedspinal, @nscia, @usersfirstorg
www.facebook.com/unitedspinalassociation
#spinalcordinjury, #peoplewithdisabilites, #wheelchairs

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

Media contact:
Ahvi Spindell
Media Relations Services
United Spinal Association
(212) 580-4567
[email protected]
Twitter @ahvispin

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Paul J. Tobin
http://www.profnetconnect.com/paul_tobin

SOURCE United Spinal Association